JoAnne Sabin showed off healthy honeycombs, which she said hobbyists and professionals should strive for.(Sarah Smith/Enterprise)3 / 3

Classes on the art and science of beekeeping were a sweet success, judging from the 60+ people crammed into the Laporte fire hall last weekend.

Many came as hobbyists, to brush up on the latest trends. Some were professional beekeepers continuing their education.

Some, like 12-year-old Fritz Anderson of Shevlin, were there to learn a new pastime.

"I just thought it would be interesting," the youngster said. "I've been reading books on it."

He was attending the course with his mother and paid rapt attention to the PowerPoint presentation from Master Gardener and beekeeper JoAnne Sabin of Eagan.

He paid rapt attention, asked pointed questions about disease, and seemed to have gathered a good background to start.

On the other end of the learning curve was Lester Hiltz, a professional beekeeper from Bemidji.

Even he said he was learning something.

Current information is a must, he insisted. "Those older books, just get rid of 'em," he suggested. "The way we raise 'em has changed a lot," he added.

Sabin brought dozens of books on the history of ancient apiaries to modern methods of raising bees for fun and profit.

Although many attendees said they were taking the course for a hobby, several also said they sell small quantities of honey at summer craft fairs and farmers markets throughout the region.

Sabin took her audience through the careful handling of bees "so you don't squish them."

She educated her audience about protecting the queen and the brood frames the bees pollinate and live in.

"Move slowly, quietly and send them love," she advised.

And, to minimize the possibility of bee stings, she urged the audience to handle the bee trays "when there's the least amount of bees possible" on the frames, generally midday when they're out seeking nectar.

The intricacies of feeding bees "pollen patties" to stimulate hive growth, or sugar water when nectar is scarce, will maximize honey output and colony efficiency, she advised.